TRUGANINA TENNIS CLUB ACES IT!
December 2023 in Events & Local Area
It’s time to recognise another one of this year’s successful Westbrook Community Fund grant applicants.
Celebrating its first anniversary in November, Truganina Tennis Club was established by small group of local tennis enthusiasts to provide coaching and playing opportunities for children in the western region, with a particular focus on Truganina and neighbouring suburbs.
Located on Alcock Road, Truganina, the Club’s facilities include six hard courts with lights, four of which are available for the exclusive use of members, plus another two which are also open to the general public. It also has access to a shared clubhouse facilities, which include a kitchen and a shared club room and change rooms.
Over the past year, membership has continued to grow and currently encompasses players of every age from 4-year-olds to older adults, all eager to stay fit – and have fun while doing so. The Club is also affiliated with Tennis Australia, partnering with coach Patrick Henson and his HIT team, who offer coaching for players of all abilities. As well as social competitions, Truganina Tennis Club now fields eight teams, each made up of four junior players, who regularly represent the Club in WRTA tournaments.
We spoke with Truganina Tennis Club Vice President, Adnan Mir, to learn a little more about the organisation, his involvement and how it plans to utilise the grant.
How did you become involved with the Truganina Tennis Club and what’s your role there?
“With a background in Telecommunication Engineering and extensive experience in the field, I've always been passionate about tennis. So, when my son became involved in the sport, I decided to attend the Club’s inaugural meeting. From the outset, I felt it was important to support the community by actively participating in the Club, which has ultimately led to my nomination as Vice President.
"The role of the Vice President in a tennis club is a versatile one, encompassing leadership, administration, community development, and strategic planning. It’s fairly pivotal in the Club's prosperity, as it contributes to the seamless functioning of the organisation, member contentment, and the realisation of the Club’s long-range goals. Effective collaboration between the Vice President, the President, and various stakeholders is fundamental to fulfilling the Club's mission and advancing the sport of tennis."
Most rewarding things about being involved in the Club?
“There is so much upside to being involved in a community-based sporting organisation like Truganina Tennis Club, from the obvious health benefits through to the opportunity to make new friendships with people who have a shared passion for the sport!
“But undoubtedly the most fulfilling reward for me is witnessing children playing on our courts, who clearly relish their sport, and having the chance to further nurture their enthusiasm and help them improve their skills. As a parent myself, it gives me a lot of satisfaction knowing the Club is effectively diverting kids away from digital devices and promoting physical fitness!”
Biggest challenges facing the Club?
“The primary challenge in any new setup is attracting members and demonstrating that the new organisation offers the same benefits as any established club.
“We’re really focused on growing Club membership and attracting additional volunteers to support the development of our teams.”
Most popular programs, events and activities run by the Club?
“At present, the Cub's most popular program is definitely the Social Tennis initiative. Additionally, we offer daily coaching classes for both kids and adults; free-for-all Open Days; and a full calendar of weekday social events for both juniors and adults. As well as our ongoing junior competitions. We’re also in the process of rolling out our first Annual Truganina Tennis Club-Open competition for adults later this year.”
How are you planning to use the Westbrook Community Fund grant?
“The Westbrook Community Fund grant has arrived at a crucial time for the Club, and we plan to use it to fund some essential infrastructure, particularly windbreakers. These structures offer crucial protection from wind and sun, improving playing conditions and visibility while providing relief from extreme weather. We’re now in a position to acquire some quality windbreakers, which will improve both the on-court experience and security, creating a more welcoming playing environment. We cannot thank the Dennis Family enough for their support of our Cub and the community more generally.”
If you were granted one wish for the Club, what would it be?
“It would be just amazing if one or more members of the Truganina Tennis Club ended up participating in the Australian Open one day in the future, and hopefully winning! Apart from anything else, it would clearly demonstrate that the Club can produce players of the highest calibre and put us on the map as a premier tennis destination.”
How can people become involved, support the Club, join a team, become a coach etc?
“Volunteers form the heart and soul of every club, and the Truganina Tennis Club is no exception. Adult community members who either play tennis, have a passion for the sport, or simply enjoy volunteering can join the Cub by expressing their interest through the link provided below.”